Assemblage of decorative furnishings

ABSTRACT

An array of furnishings positionable as décor includes a plurality of furnishings and a plurality of fasteners mounted to the plurality of furnishings. The plurality of furnishings are connectable to one another via the plurality of fasteners. When the plurality of furnishings are connected, the plurality of furnishings are movable as a single body.

BACKGROUND

Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to home furnishings, andmore specifically, to a system of home furnishings that are typicallydisplayed as a form of décor.

Pillows and other furnishings are often arranged for decorativepurposes, such as on top of a bed for example. When used to decorate afully made up bed, the decorative pillows are typically not used forsleeping. As a result, at bedtime, the pillows are removed from the bed.Setting up and removing the decorative pillows from a bed or anotherpiece of furniture can be not only tedious, but also time consuming. Forexample, it can take several minutes each time a group of pillows needsto be carefully positioned on a bed for display and also several minuteto remove the group of pillows.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment, an array of furnishings positionable asdecor includes a plurality of furnishings and a plurality of fastenersmounted to the plurality of furnishings. The plurality of furnishingsare connectable to one another via the plurality of fasteners. When theplurality of furnishings are connected, the plurality of furnishings aremovable as a single body.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the array includes furnishingsextending in two directions.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the plurality of furnishingsincludes at least two rows of furnishings.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the plurality of furnishings withinadjacent rows are connected to one another.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments at least one of the plurality offurnishings within a row of the at least two rows is directly connectedto another of the plurality of furnishings within the row.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments each of the plurality of furnishingsis a same type of furnishing.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the plurality of furnishingsincludes at least two different types of furnishings.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the plurality of fasteners ismechanical fasteners.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the plurality of fastenerspermanently connect the plurality of furnishings within the array.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the plurality of furnishingsincludes a pillow.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the plurality of furnishingsincludes a stuffed animal or doll.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the plurality of furnishings arepositionable at a seating area.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the plurality of furnishings ismovable as a single body from a first position where the plurality offurnishings is on display as decor to a second storage position, locatedremotely from the first position.

According to another embodiment, a method of removing décor includesproviding a plurality of furnishings. The plurality of furnishings isarranged in an array and each of the plurality of furnishings within thearray is connected to another of the plurality of furnishings within thearray. The method additionally includes moving the plurality offurnishings from a first location to a second location. The plurality offurnishings are moved simultaneously as a single unitary body.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the array includes furnishingsextending in two directions.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the plurality of furnishingsincludes at least two rows of furnishings.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments moving the plurality of furnishingsincludes applying a force to only a portion of the plurality offurnishings within the array.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments at least one of the first locationand the second location of the plurality of furnishings is on top of abed.

According to another embodiment, a method of forming an array offurnishings includes providing a plurality of furnishings, arranging theplurality of furnishings within an array, and connecting the pluralityof furnishings within the array together such that the plurality offurnishings is movable as a single body between a first location and asecond location.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the plurality of furnishings areremovably connected.

In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as analternative, in further embodiments the plurality of furnishings arepermanently connected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion ofthe specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages ofthe invention are apparent from the following detailed description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an array of furnishings displayed on abed according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the furnishings of the array of FIG. 1when separated from one another according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of adjacent furnishings within an arrayaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of adjacent furnishings within anarray according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the array of furnishings when assembledaccording to an embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is another front view of an array of furnishings when assembledaccording to an embodiment.

The detailed description explains embodiments of the invention, togetherwith advantages and features, by way of example with reference to thedrawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference now to FIG. 1, an array 20 or assembly of furnishings 22,such as typically displayed within an area of a home for example, isshown. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the array 20 offurnishings 22 is a plurality of pillows arranged in rows and positionedupon a made-up bed. However, it should be understood that an array 20 offurnishings 22 positionable at any suitable location, such as on acouch, chair, window seat, or bookshelf for example, is contemplatedherein. Further, the term “furnishing” as used herein is intended todescribe any type of decorative accessory, including but not limited topillows, throws or blankets, stuffed animals, banners or flags, dolls,books, faux flowers or fruit, or any other suitable type of décor thatis commonly displayed in multiples.

In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the FIGS., the array 20 offurnishings 22 includes three distinct rows 24 of furnishings 22, suchas pillows for example. More specifically, the array 20 includes a backrow of at least one pillow 22, a front row of at least one pillow 22,and an intermediate row of at least one pillow 22. Although the array 20is shown having three rows 24, it should be understood that embodimentsincluding only two rows, or more than four rows of furnishings are alsocontemplated herein. In addition, embodiments where the array 20includes a plurality of furnishings 22 arranged in a differentconfiguration, including a non-linear configuration are within the scopeof the disclosure. Further the number of furnishings 22 within each row24 may be the same or may vary between adjacent rows 24 as shown in FIG.1.

The furnishings 22 within each row and the furnishings 22 withinadjacent rows 24 may be generally identical, or alternatively, may varyin one or more of size, shape and appearance (color, pattern, etc.).Although the furnishings 22 are illustrated and described herein asbeing the same type within each of the rows 24 of the array 20,embodiments where different types of furnishings 22 are combined withinan array 20 or even within a single row 24 of an array 20 are alsocontemplated herein.

The furnishings 22 within the array 20 may be permanently or removablycoupled to one another. In an embodiment, the furnishings 22 within thearray 20 are coupled to another at one or more connections 30 via one ormore suitable connectors or mechanical fasteners 32. Example of suitablemechanical fasteners 32 include, but are not limited to, snap closures,hook and loop closures, Velcro™, hook and eye closures, zippers,magnets, or any other fastener suitable for use with a fabric material.In such embodiments, the mechanical fasteners 32 may be attached to thefurnishings 22 via any suitable means. For example, the mechanicalfasteners 32 may be sewn onto the furnishings 22, or alternatively, maybe affixed thereto, such as via a glue or other adhesive. In embodimentswhere the furnishings 22 are permanently connected to one another toform the array 20, the furnishings 22 may be connected via a chemicalcompound, such as adhesive, or may be sewn together. In embodimentswhere multiple connections are formed between the plurality offurnishings 22 within an array 20, the plurality of connections 30 maybe substantially identical, or may vary, for example based upon thelocation of the connection 30 relative to one of the furnishings 22.Further, the fasteners 32 may be positioned relative to the furnishings22 such that the fasteners 32 are generally hidden from view. Forexample, the fasteners 32 may be hidden from view such that when thearray 20 of furnishings 22 is on display, the fasteners 32 cannot bedetected.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the furnishings 22 within adjacent rows 24 areconfigured to directly connect to one another. In embodiments where thefurnishings 22 are stacked in overlapping rows 24 (as shown),connections 30 are formed at the surfaces of the furnishings 22 that arearranged directly adjacent and/or in contact with one another. Forexample, a first portion 32 a of a fastener 32 is formed at a firstsurface 40, such as a back surface of a first furnishing 22 a, and asecond portion 32 b of the fastener 32 is formed at a first surface 42,such as a front surface for example, of a furnishing 22 within anadjacent row. Based on the overall size of each furnishing 22 and thenumber of furnishings 22 in adjacent rows, a furnishing 22 may beconfigured to couple to a single furnishing 22 in an adjacent row, oralternatively, may be configured to couple to multiple furnishings 22 inadjacent row. In an embodiment, a furnishing 22 is configured to coupleto each of the furnishings 22 in an adjacent row that the furnishing 22overlaps within the array 20.

With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, in embodiments where the array 20has multiple rows, or another non-linear configuration, the furnishings22 within the same row 24 of the array 20 need not be directly connectedto one another. For example, if the array 20 includes a first row 24having a single pillow 22 and a second row 24 having two pillows 22, thefirst pillow of the second row may be connected to the second pillow ofthe second row via the connection to the pillow of the first row.

However, embodiments where furnishings 22 within the same row 24 aredirectly connected to one another are also contemplated herein. As bestshown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in an embodiment, adjacent furnishings 22 withina single row 24 of the array 20 are connectable to one another at atleast one location. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, thesides of two adjacent pillows are configured to contact one another atmultiple, distinct locations, such as at a first end 50, a second end52, and a central area 54 located between the first end 50 and thesecond end 52. Although three points of connection are shown, it shouldbe understood that the total number of connections 30 between adjacentfurnishings 22 within a row 24 and the position of those connections 30will vary based on the size and shape of the furnishings 22.

With respect to adjacent furnishings 22 within a row 24, thecorresponding portions of each fastener may be arranged such that thefirst end 50 and the second end 52 of a first surface 56 of a firstfurnishing 22 are connected to the first end 50 and the second end 52 ofa second, opposite surface 58 of the second, adjacent furnishing 22. Forexample, a first portion 32 a of a first and second connector 32 aremounted to the first surface 56 of the first pillow 22 adjacent a firstedge 60 thereof. Similarly, the second portion 32 b of the first andsecond connector 32 are mounted to the second, opposite surface 58 ofthe second pillow 22 adjacent a first edge 62 thereof. Accordingly, whenthe first and second portion 32 a, 32 b of the connectors 32 are joined,the ends 50, 52 of the second pillow 22 are arranged in front of theends 50, 52 of the first pillow 22. The centrally located connection 30may be formed at the respective edges 60, 62 of the furnishings 22regardless of which furnishing is arranged generally forward of theadjacent furnishing. However, it should be understood that anyconfiguration of a connection between furnishings within the array iswithin the scope of the disclosure.

When the furnishings 22 within the array 20 are connected to oneanother, the array 20 is movable as a single unitary body in response toapplication of a force. With reference now to FIGS. 5 and 6, as shown,the furnishings 22 within the array 20 remain connected to one anotherwhen a force is applied to a single location of the array 20 or to onlya portion of the furnishings 22 within the array 20 directly. As aresult, the array 20 of furnishings 28 may be more efficiently movedbetween locations, rather than moving each furnishing of the arrayindividually. Similarly, the furnishings 22 within the array 20 remainconnected to one another as a single entity when held by an operator ata location and the furnishings 22 of the array 20 are otherwiseunsupported with respect to a gravitational force acting thereon. Theconnection between the furnishings 22 within the array 20 is sufficientto maintain the plurality of furnishings 22 in the general configurationof the array 20 until a user intentionally separates the furnishings.

An array 20 of furnishings 22 as described herein is easily movedbetween a first display location and a second storage location whenconnected as a single body. For example, in embodiments where the array20 of furnishings 22 is a variety of throw pillows arranged on top of abed as a means of decoration, the group 20 of pillows may be moved as awhole from the top of the bed at night to use the bed, and may bereturned to the top of the bed in the morning once the bed is remade.

While the invention has been described in detail in connection with onlya limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood thatthe invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, theinvention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations,alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretoforedescribed, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of theinvention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention havebeen described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention mayinclude only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, theinvention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, butis only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An array of furnishings positionable as decor,the array comprising: a plurality of furnishings; and a plurality offasteners mounted to the plurality of furnishings, the plurality offurnishings being connectable to one another via the plurality offasteners, wherein when the plurality of furnishings are connected, theplurality of furnishings are movable as a single body.
 2. The array offurnishings of claim 1, wherein the array includes furnishings extendingin two directions.
 3. The array of furnishings of claim 1, wherein theplurality of furnishings includes at least two rows of furnishings. 4.The array of furnishings of claim 3, wherein the plurality offurnishings within adjacent rows are connected to one another.
 5. Thearray of furnishings of claim 4, wherein at least one of the pluralityof furnishings within a row of the at least two rows is directlyconnected to another of the plurality of furnishings within the row. 6.The array of furnishings of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality offurnishings is a same type of furnishing.
 7. The array of furnishings ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of furnishings includes at least twodifferent types of furnishings.
 8. The array of furnishings of claim 1,wherein the plurality of fasteners is mechanical fasteners.
 9. The arrayof furnishings of claim 1, wherein the plurality of fastenerspermanently connect the plurality of furnishings within the array. 10.The array of furnishings of claim 1, wherein the plurality offurnishings includes a pillow.
 11. The array of furnishings of claim 1,wherein the plurality of furnishings includes a stuffed animal or doll.12. The array of furnishings of claim 1, wherein the plurality offurnishings are positionable at a sleeping or seating area.
 13. Thearray of furnishings of claim 1, wherein the plurality of furnishings ismovable as a single body from a first position where the plurality offurnishings is on display as decor to a second storage position, locatedremotely from the first position.
 14. A method of removing décor,comprising: providing a plurality of furnishings, wherein the pluralityof furnishings is arranged in an array, and each of the plurality offurnishings within the array is connected to another of the plurality offurnishings within the array; moving the plurality of furnishings from afirst location to a second location, wherein the plurality offurnishings are moved simultaneously as a single unitary body.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the array includes furnishings extending intwo directions.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein moving the pluralityof furnishings includes applying a force to only a portion of theplurality of furnishings within the array.
 17. The method of claim 14,wherein at least one of the first location and the second location ofthe plurality of furnishings is on top of a bed.
 18. A method of formingan array of furnishings comprising: providing a plurality offurnishings; arranging the plurality of furnishings within an array; andconnecting the plurality of furnishings within the array together suchthat the plurality of furnishings is movable as a single body between afirst location and a second location.
 19. The method of claim 18,wherein the plurality of furnishings are removably connected.
 20. Themethod of claim 18, wherein the plurality of furnishings are permanentlyconnected.